The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) has announced the 2018 HBCU Competitiveness Scholars – the Initiative’s highest student recognition. Kevontae Carter, a junior at Philander Smith College, from Little Rock, AR, is among the elite group of students chosen for this prestigious honor.

Carter, a biology major, will serve a one-year term as a Competitiveness Scholar, in which he will learn and share proven and promising practices that support individual and HBCU competitiveness, with the goal of strengthening prospects for career and life success. As the embodiment of unique competitive advantages HBCUs provide students, Competitiveness Scholars are afforded opportunities to highlight their exceptional contributions to institutions, ignite new passions and explore ideas critical to lifelong growth and development.

Competitiveness Scholars are recognized for the 2018-2019 academic school year. Carter has proven himself a leader on and off the Philander campus serving as a member of the Pre-Alumni Council and recently completed a summer internship in Washington, D.C. He aspires to be a dentist and an entrepreneur. “I am extremely grateful to have an opportunity to represent Philander Smith College this school year,” said Carter. “This is a great opportunity to collaborate with various organizations, students, and work professionals in creating different campus and civil service projects. I plan to capitalize on this opportunity to better serve Philander Smith College and the community.”

Carter is one of 63 students from 54 HBCUs who have received this honor. The special academic recognition includes a trip to Washington, D.C. to attend the 2018 National HBCU Week Conference during which time scholars will participate in workshops designed to improve leadership, encourage ongoing personal and professional development and discover areas of innovation and entrepreneurship.

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